It is interesting you mention her problem with multi-tasking. I found that initially when I switched from writing to typing, it was almost as if I did not have that "pathway" in my brain. I could take the dictation but I could not simultaneously process what the pt had just said to form a plan. I was more comfortable w/ listening/writing/thinking as I had done before. I literally had to learn a new skill and force open a new process. (Luckily, our schedule was slow at that time and I could do it. We switched over in the summer which is our slowest time.) I would compare this to learning a foreign language. It is better accomplished if you force yourself to use it as much as possible.
Whenever I find myself saying that a new process is "too hard", I remind myself that I succeeded at medical school. I can do this! Failure is not an option.
Last summer, the NJAFP sponsored a speaker who had us work on chain of command. He spoke on the Toyota company principle. That company succeeds by getting the employees to think up ways to simplify processes. For example: How many steps are there to receive a lab result, notify the pt and file the result. By engaging my entire team, I am able to simplify steps and improve efficiency.
Example: Refill requests are routed through the pharmacies so that I can receive them electronically and respond accordingly. Result: dramatic reduction in phone calls.
Example: Updox portal is used for receipts, results, and instructions. Result: Patients not standing around office waiting for printed papers to be given. (You know they come up with more questions while they are standing there.) Plan for future: put all my forms on Updox for easier access. They just updated the ability of putting forms on public access so that the patient does not have to sign in.
Problem: Many things that I type are repetitive. Result: I took the time to make templates specific to MY needs. The AC provided ones were just a rough frame. This one effort saved hours of time.
Problem: Labslip processing slowed down pt departure. Answer: One employee actually loves going on-line and ordering through Quest and Labcorp, so she is labslip central. She then sends the labslip confirmation to the pt portal.
Problem: Filling out forms delayed appt. Answer: (You know what I am going to say...) Forms are sent through Updox and pt brings them at time of appt. This works wonderfully for new patients! We are also using it for the Medicare Physicals, even if we have to send them to the pt's child.
Bottom line, if you are not satisfied, make a change!
